D3 blower motor into d2?

[HPsauce]

If you look at the design you can see why, it's not a "typical" bladed fan that could indeed run backwards, it's basically a centrifugal pump with vanes in the cylinder that "catch" the air and make it more efficient.
Running backwards it's still a centrifugal pump but the vanes make it extremely inefficient. And I expect the geometry of the air intake and outlet ducts contribute to making air only flow one way.

[HPsauce]

As my fan has been playing up for ages now (nearly 3 years on and off, see: http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread.php?t=13248 ) I've ordered one of these (from Poland!).
They're a Chinese copy obviously but I'll keep the original anyway and see if it can be refurbished.
I might also look at constructing an "adapter" for the lead, rather than cutting the plug off the old one. Though it might be possible to just disassemble the plug if the contacts at the end of the wires are the same design.

[Stromaluski]

Originally Posted by MikkiJayne

Surprisingly no, it blows in to the cabin still, but only about 10% of its normal airflow, leaving one very puzzled as to why the fan is making loads of noise but there's nothing coming from the vents.

Originally Posted by HPsauce

If you look at the design you can see why, it's not a "typical" bladed fan that could indeed run backwards, it's basically a centrifugal pump with vanes in the cylinder that "catch" the air and make it more efficient.
Running backwards it's still a centrifugal pump but the vanes make it extremely inefficient. And I expect the geometry of the air intake and outlet ducts contribute to making air only flow one way.

That makes sense now that you say it. Is there an easy way to test without taking the car apart? Specified air flow at a certain fan speed or something along those lines?

Originally Posted by HPsauce

As my fan has been playing up for ages now (nearly 3 years on and off, see: http://forum.a8parts.co.uk/showthread.php?t=13248 ) I've ordered one of these (from Poland!).
They're a Chinese copy obviously but I'll keep the original anyway and see if it can be refurbished.
I might also look at constructing an "adapter" for the lead, rather than cutting the plug off the old one. Though it might be possible to just disassemble the plug if the contacts at the end of the wires are the same design.

Unfortunately, they are different. I had the same thought. The stock D2 connector is a pin connector, whereas the D3 connector is a blade type connector.

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by Stromaluski

Unfortunately, they are different. I had the same thought. The stock D2 connector is a pin connector, whereas the D3 connector is a blade type connector.

Thanks for that, I'll have a good look at them both when the parts arrive and decide what to do. I have various spare connectors of that type anyway.
IIRC the connectors are all fairly accessible with the bonnet open so I should be able to test any adapter quite easily before fitting and make sure it's spinning the right way.

[B@fink]

Suppose it’s too optimistic to assume d3 wipers would fit the d2 as well? because that would solve a whole heap of spare parts issue ��

[Stromaluski]

Originally Posted by B@fink

Suppose it’s too optimistic to assume d3 wipers would fit the d2 as well? because that would solve a whole heap of spare parts issue ��

I'd be shocked if the entire assembly is the same, but it may be that parts of it are the same? There's a D3 at my local junkyard currently. I may go take a look at it again.

[MikkiJayne]

Originally Posted by B@fink

Suppose it’s too optimistic to assume d3 wipers would fit the d2 as well? because that would solve a whole heap of spare parts issue ��

Far too optimistic I'm afraid. I think all of it is different, although it may be possible to adapt the motor with some tinkering. I need to take another look at one.

[Snaggle57]

The motor arrived and I’ve managed to get it fitted, it was £65 delivered and a cheap Chinese copy as mentioned but I doubt the car will last much longer so it’s good enough for me. Fits perfect runs quiet and kicks out more air than before, although mine was worn out. will post some pics up when i get chance

[HPsauce]

Originally Posted by Stromaluski

The stock D2 connector is a pin connector, whereas the D3 connector is a blade type connector.

Actually both are blades, see attached photo of a D2 fan connector.
However the male/female setup seems to be reversed, the D2 fan is male whereas the D3 is female, so you couldn't disassemble and reinsert the wires into a different shell even if they were compatible.

[27litres]

As it's spade connectors, makes for a pretty easy wiring job.

Either cut and shut a pigtail cut from your old fan, or from a wreckers yard (anything Audi (or VW?) from that era has the same style connectors)
or
Cut the plug off one end (fan is most appropriate) and put some standard crimp type spade connectors on the ends and plug in manually (I use brass spade connectors with a proper crimping tool, but the common red or blue crush type will work ok)
or
Make a short double-ended female piggy-back lead and leave both plugs intact.